Love Springwater Park volunteers receive boost in conservation efforts

Love Springwater Park volunteer group has received a welcome boost to their conservation efforts, thanks to a donation from United Utilities’ Community Fund.

The group, based in Bury, is made up of residents who work hard to maintain and improve Springwater Park - a popular and well-loved local nature reserve in Whitefield.

Standing where the River Roch and River Irwell meet, the park was home to three industrial factories until the 1950s. Since then, nature has reclaimed the area, and it has become a haven for wildlife in a largely suburban area of north Manchester.

The volunteer group hosts regular task days in the park which include general maintenance jobs and litter picking to keep the reserve clean and tidy. The group also focuses heavily on the removal of invasive plant species around the riverbanks, such as Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed.

Both plants can spread rapidly along waterways, including rivers and canals, and can be harmful to river health if not removed. Giant hogweed can also pose a health risk to humans and animals, whilst contributing to bank erosion when it dies off in winter, exposing bare soil where other plants would normally grow.

With the team at Love Springwater Park struggling to continue their work due to the lack of suitable equipment, they enlisted the support of United Utilities, requesting funding to help them source the tools they needed.

In April, volunteers met with River Rangers from the North West’s water company as they handed over the equipment. The donation consisted of PPE and gardening equipment, so that the group could continue with their vital work efficiently and safely.

Caroline Brice from Love Springwater Park Group, commented: "We used several of the tools on the morning we received them; they are great and now we can get on with the pressing work of digging up the young giant hogweed, and slashing the Himalayan balsam. With these extra tools our group can make a real difference to our work in Springwater Park.”

Shy Bayly, area engagement lead for Greater Manchester at United Utilities, added: “We are proud to support the dedicated volunteers at Springwater Park.

“By equipping them with the right tools, we’re helping to ensure that they can work more efficiently and safely, protecting the natural beauty of this cherished area. Healthy rivers are vital for biodiversity, and by removing these harmful species, we’re taking an important step towards restoring native habitats and preserving water quality for future generations.”

The United Utilities’ Community Fund supports community groups whose activities:

• Benefit local watercourses and riverside environments
• Act as catalyst for improved community and environmental wellbeing
• Reconnect communities to riverside environments
• Promote sustainable drainage

Groups can apply to the fund for up to £2,500 worth of support by emailing:  Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk with details of their request.